CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG1
UPDATE University of the Western Cape
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
2014 SECOND ANNUAL LEADERSHIP ALUMNI RECONNECTION
PG 3
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE
PG 9
THE THIRD ANNUAL UWC ENTREPRENEURSHIP COLLOQUIUM
PG 13
ENACTUS UWC WINS 3RD PLACE IN NATIONAL COMPETITION
PG 6
SDS STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2014
PG 11 THE INAUGURAL CONFERENCE OF SAFSAS
PG 10
SEASONS’ GREETINGS AND A WONDERFUL END TO 2014 AND HAPPY BEGINNINGS FOR 2015. This is our second edition and I know that our students are keenly awaiting this update to see what’s been happening at the CSSS. The year has been a busy one and not only our students, but also staff have done amazing work. We are aiming to have this UPDATE every few months - so keep your news coming so that we can share with our students. Well done to all of you for the amazing work you do, not only here on campus but also off campus. More in the new year - for now: Seasons’ greetings and a wonderful end to 2014 and happy beginnings for 2015. See you all in 2015! Enjoy the read! Yours Sincerely BIRGIT SCHREIBER (PHD) CSSS director, UWC
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG2
GENERAL NEWS
ENGAGED STUDENTS ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS The Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) hosted a Co-curriculum on 14 May: The co-curriculum: an integrated practice or fragments at the fringes of university experience? Guest speakers - all introduced by the Director of CSSS, Dr Birgit Schreiber - included Professor Teboho Moja and Mr Monroe France (New York University) and Professor Ronelle Carolissen (Stellenbosch University). In her opening, Schreiber said that “co-curriculum activities seek to develop Graduate Attributes, enable connection and attachment to the university, enable improved integration into the university life, improve employment opportunities and provide support to students participating in these programmes”. The aim of the colloquium was to explore the importance of being involved in cocurriculum programmes which includes activities and initiatives such as HIV/AIDS programmes, student support groups, volunteering, leadership training, mentoring or campus societies. At the colloquium it was reported that students are able to benefit from co-curriculum practices by applying the knowledge they’ve gained from experiences in their daily lives, as these are skills which cannot be taught in a classroom. Prof Moja from NYU adds that “participating in programmes available at higher education institutions improves performance in the classroom.” Prof Carolissen agrees with the idea that students’ complex lives are validated and their range of experiences affirmed as part of positioning the student at the centre of their lives. The discussions at the colloquium convincingly concluded that the integrated student is more likely to be a successful student.
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG3
LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY
SECOND ANNUAL LEADERSHIP ALUMNI RECONNECTION On Saturday 27 September, Leadership and Social Responsibility hosted a leadership alumni reconnection event which provided a forum for past students from our programmes to reconnect with each other, the department and their leadership journey. The day’s workshop was conceptualised and planned by Advanced Leaders Programme alumni, Juanitill Pettus and Semone Ownhouse. ‘Celebrating your Leadership Journey’ was to encourage alumni to reflect on their personal journey and celebrate their successes. The group re-explored four Emerging Leaders Programme sessions: Vision and Mission, Motivation, Aim High and Everyday Creativity. Each facilitator - Delphino Machikicho, Nasheeta Adams, along with the organisers - shared how these lessons were applied in their current contexts - from work, to further studies, to volunteering. Representatives from ELP classes, 2009 – 2013, attended this high-spirited event. It was a space for catching up with old friends and making new ones, candid sharing, vibrant discussion and facilitated reflection. We had a wonderful response and volunteers accepted the challenge of organising the 2015 event.
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG4
OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
NEW EQUIPMENT AIDS STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES New wheelchairs and voice-transcription software were but some of recent purchases made by the Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS). The acquisitions were made possible by a grant from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). “It is our focus to equip our living and learning context and the support and development provisions with a range of modalities, so that students with disabilities find easy entry into the UWC environment,” says Dr Schreiber, reaffirming UWC’s proud history of ensuring that all learners have fair access to education. The social model of disability, adopted by the DHET and government since 1994, informs UWC’s disability policy - shaping its exam policies and formal reports about matters concerning disability. UWC is now home to 300 students who have self-identified as living and learning with a disability. This increase in numbers is an indication of the kind of welcoming learning environment created at UWC. Among other services, teaching venues have large screens and loop systems for hearing aids. Student development and support has also been equipped to offer disability-friendly interventions by ensuring flexible provisions. “We also equip lecturers with tools to improve flexible provisions within the teaching context,” adds Dr Schreiber “UWC is keenly aware of the enabling or hindering impact the institutional context may have on disabled students.” There is a pressing need, she adds, to explore the relationship between students’ success and their experience of universities as academic and social spaces.
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG5
OFFICE FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
PMP: RUNNING FOR MADIBA The Peer Mentoring Programme (PMP) at the Academic Support Department at CSSS had its annual Mandela Week – a component of the PMP’s student engagement objective - from 21 to 26 July 2014. Traditionally, PMP encourages mentors and mentees to undertake philanthropic exercises, such as giving to charity, as part of celebrating Mandela’s legacy. However, this year PMP decided that mentees and mentors should give themselves the gift of learning about Mandela’s life, tribulations and his selfless sacrifices. “Running for Madiba”: mentees and mentors raced in teams over 4 days and each team was guided by various clues which were all children-related quotes by Mandela, who always had a great love for young people. He also emphasized the importance of education in society. These clues would ultimately lead the teams to the on-campus crèche, UWC Robben Island Mayibuye Archive and the Main Library. At a motivational workshop after the race, teams were asked to reflect on and create a presentation on what they had learnt from the race and how they thought they were living the legacy of Mandela. The most fitting tribute we can give Mandela is to understand his legacy and why his contribution to human dignity, universal suffrage and the spirit of equality is so important in the 21st Century.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT PORTRAYS THE MANDELA LEGACY During the week 13 – 18 July 2014, the Academic Support Department staff at the Centre for Student Support Services participated in the HIV/AIDS Department’s Mandela week to commemorate the life of Nelson Mandela through the Nelson Mandela Exhibition. Departments were asked to depict how they lived the legacy of Nelson Mandela in their department through the medium of art. The team worked well together and the excellent art piece was exhibited in the Main Hall!
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG6
LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY
ENACTUS UWC WINS 3RD PLACE IN PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL COMPETITION Enactus (previously SIFE) is an international community of student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power the entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. UWC - one of 1600 universities, across 36 countries - has again done very well in the national competition, guided and supported by the Leadership and Social Responsibility Department of the CSSS. Six dynamic UWC Enactus members developed an original submission to the national Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) Enactus Challenge. The team worked in collaboration with employees of Unilever South Africa. Together, they had to come up with an idea to grow the business through a sustainable business model, identify opportunities for collaborations and a plan for implementation. They conceptualised the UniBuy project that aims to develop a mobile purchasing system (completed in partnership with the CoLab for eInclusion and Social Innovation) for UWC students to access Unilever products – highlighted by students during the research phase - at competitive prices. In addition the project aims to incorporate a recycling component run within the residence, by partnering with Green Campus Initiative. After being shortlisted for the quarter and then semi-finals, on the 3rd July, Hakundwi Mandende, Thando Sobantu and Delphino Machikicho, presented in Johannesburg and eventually claimed third place in this national competition.
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG7
GENERAL NEWS
SOUTH AFRICA JOINS GLOBAL SUMMIT ON STUDENT AFFAIRS Dr Birgit Schreiber, Director of UWC’s CSSS, was one of 60 selected international higher education institution delegates who recently met at the Global Summit for Student Affairs in Rome. Selected senior student affairs staff from 37 countries and 6 continents gathered to formalise key goals and strategies to address key challenges for higher education across the globe. The Global Summit was organised by the European University College Association (EUCA), in collaboration wth IASAS and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The event aimed to initiate high-profile debate on how student affairs and services can promote access, inclusion and integration, support and development and employability. Dr Birgit Schreiber, Director of UWC’s Centre for Student Services and Support and recently elected Africa Chair for the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS), represented South Africa at the Summit, along with Dr Saloshni Pillay from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who is president of the Southern African Federation of Student Affairs and Services (SAFSAS). Both were specially selected to ensure that the global conversation on student affairs is shaped by African voices. “Being invited to the Global Summit is a huge honour,” says Dr Schreiber, who is also an NEC member of the South African Association for Senior Student Affairs Practitioners (SAASSAP). “It demonstrates that our student affairs model, the framework and practices which we have developed, can offer lessons to others. Also, specific engagements on certain matters enable us to benefit hugely from these shared conversations.”
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG8
OFFICE FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
MENTORS LEAD FROM WHERE THEY ARE, MENTEES REACH OUT TO SUCCEED FROM WHERE THEY ARE! On Thursday 9 October 2014, the Peer Mentoring Programme had its first ever Mentee Certificate Ceremony, which celebrated the successful conclusion of the mentoring relationship with staff and students and honoured their commitment. The mentees not only engaged in the mentoring relationship with a more experienced student, but also engaged in Living-Learning communities, Mentee Day, Mandela week and Motivational training. Dr Schreiber, Director of the CSSS honoured mentees for the responsibility they have taken to reach out for support. She reminded mentees that this behaviour in itself reflects the discipline and commitment of students who are serious about their success. Statistics from the recent SASSE (student engagement) survey shows that 73 per cent of students who are meaningfully engaged beyond the classroom achieve academic success. Ms Permall, Manager of the Office for Academic Support, in her reflections, reminded mentees that their ability to reach out was indicative of their resilience and responsibility and appealed to them to continue to seek out ‘lid lifters’ - enablers - people who will invest time to support their success so that they can reach their full potential. She furthermore emphasized The Butterfly Effect - that every choice we make has a profound impact, not only on the immediate environment, but on the world at large. Mentees expressed gratitude for this acknowledgement and PMP’s investment in them. A number of mentees have applied to be mentors in 2015. In this way we continue the chain of change, one student at a time.
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG9
LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE Tonia Overmeyer, manager of Leadership and Social Responsibility, CSSS, visited the Leadership Center, Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership at Morehouse Campus, Atlanta, Georgia, from 23 to 27 June 2014. The mission of Morehouse College is to develop men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service. A private historically black liberal arts college for men, Morehouse realises this mission by emphasizing the intellectual and character development of its students. In addition, the College assumes special responsibility for teaching the history and culture of black people. The purpose of the visit was both to explore the Morehouse approach to leadership development by experiencing and participating in a programme as well as to investigate possible areas of collaboration. Tonia’s activities at Morehouse included attending a residential leadership academy for Proctor and Gamble, presented by the Center. She also addressed a pre-med group and accompanied them to the Kinsey Collection Exhibition at the Atlanta History Museum. Further, connections were made with various Morehouse students,alumni, faculty and staff involved in leadership development. A highlight of the tour was the warm reception and the openness to a South African experience with the UWC Leadership Academy.
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG10
GENERAL NEWS
A MAJOR STEP TOWARDS PROFESSIONALIZATION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS – THE INAUGURAL CONFERENCE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FEDERATION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND SERVICES. The Southern African Federation for Student Affairs and Services (SAFSAS) is an umbrella body that brings together all national associations that operate in the higher education terrain, representing Student Development and Support at UWC. SAFSAS was launched with the associations signing the official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Mangaung on 25 October 2012. The formation of this body was initiated by the then Minister in the National Department of Education, Minister Naledi Pandor, in September 2007. The purpose of establishing a Federation of the National Associations was “to explore the feasibility of a single Higher Education Student Affairs and Services Practitioner’s body and the establishment of a common understanding on quality student development and support” said Pandor. The Federation’s mission is to provide professional development, support the scholarship and increase research for student affairs departments within the Higher Education and FET sector of Southern Africa. SAFSAS draws on the mandate and the diversity of its affiliates to become a leading voice for Student Affairs and Services, Development and Support in Southern Africa, with commitment to the holistic education of students through the integration of Student Affairs into the life of the institutions. The launch of SAFSAS and the inaugural conference in August 2014, are historic events for Higher Education in South Africa. The conference (4-6 August) hosted the IASAS emeritus president as the key note speaker, Prof Roger Ludeman and was opened by Prof Nan Yeld of the DHET. Mr Mark Seale, president of ACUHO-i SA, and Laetitia Permall, president of SAACDHE, represent UWC within SAFSAS. UWC is very proud to have played such a key role in furthering the impact of Student Affairs in the higher education sector.
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG11
GENERAL NEWS
SDS STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2014 The Annual Student Leadership Awards of the Student Development and Support Division took place on 10 October 2014 and was again a rousing success. The SDS Awards aim to recognise our students’ achievements in the co-curricular space and give honour to their outstanding performance. The co-curriculum not only serves to provide opportunities to develop skills essential to promote employability for our students, but it also serves to offer engagement opportunities which are highly correlated to academic success. Students who are engaged perform better academically, and are in a better position to secure employment. There are nine categories: Student Governance Leadership, Student Leadership, Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship, Student Mentoring, Student Tutoring, Academic Support, Student Orientation and Student Assistants. To be considered as finalist, each student needed to demonstrate development in the Graduate Attributes, demonstrate ethical leadership and conduct, embrace the idea of a living and learning environment at UWC, show commitment to the ethos of SDS, maintain a good working relationship and be in good standing with students and staff, demonstrate a clear sense of accountability, responsibility and initiative and be an academic achiever. Our top achievers were Francis Chiparawasha (male) & Jaclisse Lorene Mayoma (female) Other special awards were a recognition award presented to UWC choir who received top accolades in international championships and the UWC Whizz Kids who were recognised by the International World of Computing in the International Student Cluster Competition.
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG12
LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY
STEVE BIKO COMMEMORATION EVENTS For the last 5 years, Leadership and Social Responsibility have commemorated Steve Biko through an open Emerging Leaders class session. This icon could conscientise students around the power of student activism by raising awareness around an example of how a student movement can effect change. LSR recognised an opportunity for broader intervention where more of the University community could engage on current issues through the lens of Biko’s vision of a just and equal society and presented to the campus community. The celebration started with a I am Biko Creative Arts session on the 9 September which used arts as a medium to encourage students to develop confidence, communication skills, creativity and critical thinking. Students performed 17 intellectually stimulating, thought provoking and creative performances of poetry, music and dance to a vibrant audience. On the 12 September, LSR, in partnership with the Steve Biko Foundation, hosted the 2nd Annual Steve Biko FrankTalk Dialogue - An initiative that constructively engaged young leaders and professionals in national discourse. This year’s topic was “Two decades of democracy: The role of race, culture and identity in shaping South Africa Today”. UWC student leaders had an opportunity to critically engage with a distinguished panel that comprised the CEO of the Biko Foundation Mr Nkosinathi Biko, Head of the Institute of Social Health Sciences from UNISA, Professor Kopano Ratele and Education Manager from the District Six, Ms Mandy Sanger. ELP alumnus, Mandihlume Dotwana, led a team of students, who worked with the Mayibuye Robben Island Archives to creatine an exhibit showcasing newspaper articles referencing the life and legacy of Steve Biko. 40 student delegates from UWC attended the 15th Annual Steve Biko Memorial Lecture at UCT on the 11 September. The guest speaker, Judge Navanethem, “Navi” Pillay, former United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights spoke on the theme “Advancing Human Rights in South Africa and the world”.
CSSS UPDATE | 2ND EDITION 2014 | PG13
LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY
THE THIRD ANNUAL UWC ENTREPRENEURSHIP COLLOQUIUM The Third Annual UWC Entrepreneurship Colloquium themed Entrepreneurial development and support: Exploring the Triple Helix - was held on the 15th and 16th of September 2014. CSSS, in partnership with the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the EMS Faculty brought some of the best entrepreneurial minds to UWC. Speakers from diverse backgrounds gave a multiplicity of perspectives on the theme. Mr Guy Harris, the CEO of the South African Institute for Entrepreneurship uncovered some of the key issues affecting entrepreneurship education at a grassroots level. Dr Mike Herrington offered an overview of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor research findings that highlighted the state of entrepreneurship in the democratic South Africa. Additionally, different levels of government had an opportunity to share their support programmes and vision of entrepreneurship. Enterprise development specialists from Price Waterhouse Cooper and Woolworths discussed the role of corporates in supporting entrepreneurs, highlighting best practise as well as challenges. Academics from Malaysia and Botswana shared the state of entrepreneurship in their respective countries with the audience. EMS faculty representatives profiled their research areas, too. UWC students that participated in entrepreneurship – related programmes on campus, showcased their learning experiences, demonstrating how entrepreneurship is a vehicle for student development. One of the biggest highlights was the inspirational journey of Luvuyo Rani the Co-Founder and Director of Silulo Ulutho Technologies.
CONTACT US
Centre for Student Support Services Online: www.uwc.ac.za/Students/SD/CSSS Email: csss@uwc.ac.za Phone: 021 959 2299